A 2017 news story involving the “rag-dressing” subculture in China has resurfaced and trended on Japanese commentary forums, sparking a new wave of debate and backlash. The original controversy revolves around an incident where a wealthy fan discovered that his favorite streamer, who presented himself as a “rag” on his livestreams, was actually a biological woman. This discovery led the follower to accuse the streamer of fraud, who had cultivated a large fan base under the premise of being a man disguised as a woman.
In the incident, which unfolded seven years ago in China, the follower in question had been a devoted fan for years, spending large sums of money on gifts for the streamer. However, his devotion collapsed when he requested that the streamer sing a military song in a male voice, and she was unable to comply with the request. This made the follower suspect that the “rag” was actually a woman, which he later confirmed, leading him to file a fraud complaint with the authorities.
The news caused quite a stir in the “femboy” community in China at the time, prompting several prominent figures in the media to speak out.such as CC-chan (CC醬) and Xuan Mo Bao Bao (軒墨寶寶), known as “China's first “rag””, had to go out and defend their masculine identity. Both issued statements on social media assuring that, despite their extremely feminine appearance, they were “real men.” However, this defense was not enough to calm the waters, as fans demanded proof beyond mere words.
This old incident has once again caught the attention of Japanese netizens, who have begun discussing the authenticity of the “rags” on their own forums and comment platforms. In Japan, where the “otokonoko” culture has also gained popularity, many users are wondering whether similar situations could occur in their own country. Reactions have been mixed, with some defending streamers' right to present themselves as they wish, while others express concerns about transparency and honesty in these communities.
As the discussion intensifies, some members of the “otokonoko” community in Japan have begun issuing their own statements to reaffirm their identity and avoid misunderstandings. However, as happened in China, verbal statements may not be enough to appease all supporters, who are now more attentive and critical than ever.
Fountain: Hachima Kikou
